David Beckham, speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box amid his son Brooklyn’s explosive Instagram posts about a family rift, spoke broadly about social media and parenting, saying children are “allowed to make mistakes” and learning is part of growing up.
David Beckham has made his first comment since his son Brooklyn Beckham’s candid Instagram posts about a family dispute, choosing a broader reflection on social media and parenting rather than directly addressing the feud.
Beckham, 50, spoke on CNBC’s financial programme Squawk Box on 20 January 2026, a day after Brooklyn shared lengthy posts accusing his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, of negatively impacting his personal life and marriage to actress Nicola Peltz Beckham.
Beckham’s Comments on Social Media and Parenting
On Squawk Box, where he was appearing amid coverage of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Beckham emphasised the power and risks of social media. He noted, “I have always spoken about social media and the power of social media… For the good and for the bad. What kids can access these days, it can be dangerous.”
He added that he has tried to teach his children to use social media responsibly, pointing to his own use of the platform to support causes such as UNICEF.
Beckham then offered a general message about parenting. “They make mistakes, but children are allowed to make mistakes. That is how they learn. That is what I try to teach my kids. You sometimes have to let them make those mistakes as well,” he said.
While he did not explicitly name Brooklyn or detail his son’s accusations, many observers noted that the remarks were interpreted in the context of the very public family rift that has drawn intense media attention. Brooklyn’s Instagram statement on 19 January 2026 broadly criticised his parents’ handling of family and media narratives and said he “does not want to reconcile” with them.
Context of the Beckham Family Situation
Brooklyn’s posts on Instagram alleged that his parents controlled narratives about the family in the press, interfered with his relationship with Nicola Peltz Beckham since before their April 2022 wedding, and prioritised the “Brand Beckham” image over personal connections. He also wrote that the relationship with his family had led to feelings of anxiety and estrangement, and he said he had been blocked by siblings on social media.
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